A FLINTSHIRE girl with autism has had her first ever haircut - and is donating her long locks to charity.
Emily Dirkin, who turns 13 in October, went to KINGS Salon in Queensferry on Wednesday (September 3) - which marked a significant milestone.
With her hair untouched by salon scissors until now, apart from a few home trims, this visit was more than just a haircut.
Emily, who is autistic and faces considerable sensory challenges, particularly with noise, also experiences selective mutism - making communication a unique journey.
Despite these challenges, Emily, who attends Ysgol Maes Hyfryd special school in Flint, had expressed a desire for a haircut, and the idea of donating her hair to the Little Princess Trust was introduced.
Ceri Brayford, of KINGS Salon, stayed longer on Wednesday to work when the salon was closed - and chopped off a whopping 39 inches of hair. The locks will now go to the Little Princess Trust - which makes wigs for children who have lost their hair amid cancer treatment and other illness.
"It was a massive deal for Emily to cut that amount of hair off, especially with her autism. I was more than happy to stay behind and do it when it was a bit quieter."
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Lynne Chick, Emily's mum, said she is "so proud" of her daughter.
She added: "A massive thank you to hairstylist Ceri Brayford, who was absolutely fantastic with Emily.
"She stayed behind late, so the salon was quiet and empty of people to ensure Emily had a positive first experience at the salon."
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